Kirkland man arrested after allegedly threatening to kill former Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson

From Facebook



KIRKLAND, Washington -  A Kirkland man was arrested this week after authorities said he threatened to kill former Ferguson Missouri Police officer Darren Wilson.

Authorities said Jaleel Tariq Abdul-Jabbaar, 46, starting posting threats to Facebook shortly after the August shooting of Michael Brown.  Investigators said the threats escalated and continued through late November.

Abdul-Jabbaar also allegedly threatened other officers and even attempted to use Facebook to buy a gun.

MORE:  READ FULL ABDUL-JABBAAR COMPLAINT

Acting U.S. Attorney Annette Hayes said freedom of speech does not extend to threats to kill or injure law enforcement officers.
“Although we each have the right to express our views about the decision reached by the state grand jury in Ferguson, Missouri, we cannot tolerate violence or threats of violence that are intended to intimidate, and ultimately silence debate,” said Hayes in a written statement.  “Such threats are crimes, and the individuals who make them must be held to account.”

If convicted on all three counts of making interstate threats, Abdul-Jabbaar could face up to five years in prison.